Main content

Britain's Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story

The story of Britain’s postwar atomic weapons programme, its devastating legacy for the thousands of service personnel who took part and the impact on their families and indigenous communities.

This is the extraordinary story of Britain’s postwar atomic weapons programme and its devastating legacy. The film reveals the full extent of the British government’s nuclear tests in Australia and the South Pacific in the 1950s and 1960s.

39,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen witnessed 45 atomic and hydrogen bombs and hundreds of radioactive experiments. The documentary exposes the debilitating health conditions that have blighted the lives of veterans, descendants and indigenous communities ever since.

11 months left to watch

1 hour, 14 minutes

Audio described

On TV

Wednesday 02:40

Support Organisations

A number of organisations provide support for those involved in or affected by the nuclear testing programme:Ìý

Ìýrepresents nuclear veterans, atomic veterans, scientists, civilians, and their families across the world who have been affected by the Atomic / Nuclear Testing programme.
Those unable to access the internet can also callÌý+44 (0)20 3286 3988
For information relating to nuclear testing worldwide, you can find out details of every nuclear test carried out at the award winningÌý.

Ìýis a mental health charity for veterans with military-related trauma. It provides specialist clinical treatment and support in-person and online, including an intensive mental health treatment service to UK veterans.Ìý
The charity’s 24-hour Helpline is available to veterans, service personnel and families onÌý0800 138 1619Ìýor visit the website.

Ìýsupports veterans families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians (and their families) who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.Ìý
Help for Heroes provides veterans with support for physical and mental health, welfare, and social needs.Ìý

works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Samaritans also has a dedicated helpline for people who have served in the Armed Forces. If you’re a veteran, serving member of the Armed Forces or a family member you can call this helpline free, any time, onÌý0808 175 3075.

Credits

Role Contributor
Expert Susie Boniface
Director Simon Rawles
Editor Steve Williams
Executive Producer Esella Hawkey
Production Company Hardcash Productions

Broadcasts

Featured in...